Ejection Fraction and Heart Failure

[TomJohn]

What is a normal increase in ejection fraction with proper medical care?  I had an ejection fraction that over the years has decreased to 20% and in the last six months it quickly returned to 60% indicated by measurements from both an echo and MUGA testing.  The symptoms of CHF have not changed, so the blood flow per beat has not increased.  Why has the EF increased so greatly and what would it indicate?

Tom

[ed34]

There isn't a lot symptom wise between 32 and 50 most people. The only thing you may notice is that you are breathing a bit less. If the low EF is caused by ischemia then that would be a different thing, causing all kinds of symptoms including discomfort. Your low EF was probably caused by an infection which is fully recovering.

[maewestjudy]

Several years ago, after a routine stress test, I was told my ejection fraction was 32 (I had no blockages). The doctor seemed surprised that I never got tired, dizzy, light-headed, short-of-breath, or faint. He prescribed daily Coreg & Altace, & over the years & it has risen to 45-50 (but I don't feel any different).  Is it possible that it's just 'normal' for me to have a low ejection fraction?  I sometimes walk on a treadmill for an hour, or walk 2-3 miles a day (at a leisurely pace), & the only thing I get is sweaty & bored--not exhausted. Have not had any heart issues, except I was born with a functional heart murmur (musical in nature) that disappears when I exercise.  Maybe I'm just a bit odd ???

[TomJohn]

Bothman:
Yes it is very true that as the ejection fraction goes below 40% your heart performance will begin to affect your activity.  As mine decreased through 40% and down to 20% I was typically at or very close to stage 3 heart failure.  The ejection fraction has now increased to 60%, which I feel does not normally occur and the heart failure tiredness has not reduced.  Therefore the question as stated earlier, why has the EF increased so greatly and what would it indicate?


Tom

[bothman]

Tom,

from what I have read, the normal EF is 50-75% and anything below 40% is cause for concern.

Are you on medications?  Sometimes (i have read) simply by changing diet (limiting salt intake is probably most important) can transform heart performance.